Post Bihar Win, UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya Meets Defence Minister Rajnath Singh; Speculations Rise

Following the landslide victory of the NDA in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya met with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a meeting that is being closely watched in political circles. The interaction, which occurred after the Bihar election results, is considered significant, though Maurya described it as a courtesy visit.

During a recent event in Lucknow, Maurya was referred to as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, sparking a wave of speculation across social media. Political analysts suggest that such references are unlikely to be accidental and may indicate a calculated move by the BJP. Maurya had played a key role in NDA’s success in Bihar, and his rising prominence within the party has drawn attention.

Strategic Meeting After Bihar Results

The meeting took place on 27 November, post the Bihar Assembly elections and the swearing-in of the new government. Posting pictures from the meeting, Maurya stated:
“I had the honour of meeting senior BJP leader and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to receive his guidance. Heartfelt thanks for your valuable time.”

While Maurya emphasized the visit as protocol-driven, political observers note its timing and significance amid ongoing strategic planning for the UP 2027 Assembly elections.

Rising Responsibilities and Speculations

Keshav Prasad Maurya has been entrusted with increasing responsibilities within the BJP. He served as co-election in-charge for Bihar, helping the NDA achieve a dominant victory. With new roles and growing influence, speculations about his potential candidacy for higher positions—both within UP BJP leadership and the state government—have intensified.

As a prominent OBC leader, Maurya is considered crucial to the BJP’s strategy in Uttar Pradesh, especially given the state’s large backward-class population. Analysts suggest that in the face of the Samajwadi Party’s PDA (Backward-Dalit-Minority) formula, Maurya could prove to be a key vote-bank consolidator for the BJP, just as he was in Bihar.

Focus on UP 2027

All eyes are now on the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections, where Maurya’s political stature is expected to play a major role. In 2017, under his leadership as UP BJP President, the party secured a full majority, and his influence remains pivotal in party planning for a repeat performance in 2027.